BJ Watling is the only new face in the NZ squad for the limited-overs series against Pakistan in the UAE next month.

The South Africa-born batsman has been rewarded for a strong season with the bat which included scores of 94 and 115 not out for the New Zealand Emerging Players in Australia and a top score of 97 for New Zealand A against India.

He will also provide wicketkeeping cover for Brendon McCullum.

"This tour is a good opportunity for Watling to get a taste of top-level cricket - as selectors we believe he's got strong potential as a top order batsman," said captain and Black Caps selector Daniel Vettori.

There were also recalls for bowlers Tim Southee and Nathan McCullum.

Vettori and Jacob Oram, who announced his retirement from Test cricket this week, are both recovering from hamstring strains and confirmation of their selection will be subject to them passing fitness tests.

Jesse Ryder (groin), Daryl Tuffey (broken hand), Grant Elliott (broken thumb) and Brendon Diamanti (shoulder) were not considered because of injuries suffered during the Champions Trophy.

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James Franklin, Aaron Redmond and Scott Styris have retained their places after being called in as cover for injured players during the tournament in South Africa.

Southee last featured in limited-overs internationals against Australia and India earlier this year while Nathan McCullum returns to the side after playing in the recent limited-overs series in Sri Lanka.

"Aaron Redmond made a strong case for his inclusion with confident performances at the World Twenty20 and Champions Trophy," said Vettori.

"Nathan McCullum and Tim Southee will give us flexibility and options which will suit the short, sharp nature of this tour - but Jeetan Patel and Iain O'Brien are continuing to push hard for places in the squad."

Vettori said he was pleased to be able to take a strong side to the UAE.

"Coming off a great performance in the Champions Trophy there's a confidence in the squad that we can do well in this series on neutral ground," said the skipper.

"It's disappointing that we will be without some key players - but our campaign in South Africa showed there's depth in the squad, with a number of players available to step up and perform."

New Zealand leave for Dubai on October 27. The first of three one-day internationals against Pakistan is on November 3 in Abu Dhabi.

The series closes with two Twenty20 internationals on November 12 and 13 in Dubai, before both teams travel to New Zealand for the three-Test series.

The series was originally due to take place in Pakistan earlier this year but was postponed and switched to the UAE following the terrorist attack on the Sri Lanka cricket team in Lahore in March.

New Zealand squad: Daniel Vettori (capt), Shane Bond, Neil Broom, Ian Butler, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram, Aaron Redmond, Tim Southee, Scott Styris, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling.